| The end of any relationship is rarely a happy one, | | | | Psychologists advise that when a person has to face |
| and when it comes to ending a marriage that has | | | | this kind of behavior from his or her estranged |
| been scarred with infidelity or abuse, the ensuing | | | | partner, the best form of response is to not engage |
| separation and divorce can be as bitter as the | | | | in it at all. Other forms of mental or psychological |
| marriage itself. Couples get embroiled in vicious | | | | abuse common during this period are coming up with |
| battles over their children and material assets, and all | | | | false allegations of abuse, both physical and mental, |
| involved have to go through severe emotional turmoil. | | | | and trying to poison the children's minds against the |
| There is no denying the emotional pain that comes | | | | other parent. Emotional terrorism is quite common at |
| from having to let go of a relationship that was | | | | this stage, especially if one partner had trusted the |
| meant to last for a lifetime. Sometimes the effects | | | | other with closely guarded secrets. |
| of separation can haunt one or both the partners for | | | | The deadliest form of abuse during separation and |
| a lifetime. At times one of the battling parties may | | | | divorce is when violence enters the picture. The |
| consciously or unconsciously launch an emotional | | | | authorities need to be informed immediately if one |
| warfare, by telling the partner that he or she was a | | | | partner starts showing his or her violent streak at |
| lousy parent, completely unsatisfactory in bed, or | | | | this stage, and obtaining a restraining order becomes |
| flaunt a new partner even before the divorce | | | | a necessity. |
| proceedings have been completed. | | | | |